Newborn Infant Skin Gene Expression: Remarkable Differences Versus Adults

The study compared gene expression in full-thickness skin samples from 27 newborns and 43 adults, revealing significant differences. Over 25,000 differentially regulated probe sets, representing 10,647 genes, were identified. Infant skin showed increased activity in 143 biological processes, such as ECM organization and cell adhesion, while adult skin had 101 enriched processes related to epidermal development, immune function, and hair cycle. These findings highlighted the unique readiness of infant skin to adapt to new environmental challenges and suggested potential strategies for maintaining healthy skin development.